As the race for District 2 fire commissioner heads into its final weeks, the difference in perspective between candidates Wes Heinmiller and Julie Remington appears in bold relief in the voter’s pamphlet. The makeup of the commission itself is vitally important as Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is increasingly burdened with rescue calls reaching historic highs, a need to prepare for a cataclysmic event, and a readiness to battle against potentially devastating wildland fires.
Wes Heinmiller is running on the platform of a traditional business man. A yacht captain, Heinmiller promises not to rock the boat.
However, a candidate with a unique skill set and depth of knowledge offers a more informed point of view, and that candidate is Julie Remington.
As a boots-on-the-ground first responder with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, Julie enhanced her practical experience at every turn: 150 hours of training in the Peace Health Saint Joseph’s Emergency Trauma Center; advocate in domestic violence and sexual assault; grant writer for a fall prevention program.
Julie was already accepted at the National Fire Academy operated by FEMA when she opted instead to head for her native Missouri within hours of the aftermath of the 2011 level five tornado disaster in Joplin, Mo, assisting USAR M0 Task Force 1 and the Missouri State Patrol. She deployed with the OIFR crew to fight the 2007 wildland fires in San Diego County. In the 2005 Katrina disaster, Julie worked in the FEMA Joint Field Operations Center dispatching recovery teams.
Being on the scene in a crisis is one thing, but making a study of the management of various crises is what raises Julie’s level of competence to a passion. In 2007, Julie trained in a Geneva, Switzerland, and is certified in International Humanitarian Relief Operations through Fordham University and the UN. In 2008, she received a Certificate of Emergency Management at UC Davis.
The District 2 Fire Commission needs the input of a person whose reach extends to the national and international levels of emergency management. Julie’s specialized knowledge and dedication, will add a seasoned and sophisticated perspective to the District 2 fire commission, which is why I am endorsing and voting for Julie Remington.
Sara Williams
Orcas Island
